An interesting native
perennial gourd that grows wild along roadsides and open fields throughout
southwest is the coyote melon It is also called
buffalo gourd or calabazilla.

Over-looked and
under-appreciated by many, this litttle golden sand trinket has long been
appreciated by artists and artisans of the Southwest for its potential as an art
material. Whether with paint, knife, or wood-burner, Dremel, the Coyote melon
gourds can be transformed into the most amazing pieces of artwork imaginable.

Cultivated by many Southwest tribes, the seed is rich in oil and protein. Dried
seeds can be eaten. Very heat tolerant, the flowers and summer foliage make
these attractive landscape plants.

The Coyote Mellon or
Gourds were used by Indians as food, medicine, musical instruments, bowls, and
soap. All parts of the gourd contain saponin, a compound used in making soap.

Root pieces were crushed
to make a liquid soap. Some Indian tribes obtain oil from the seeds and used it
for cooking oil. Seeds were dried, and ground up to make mush. Some parts of the
gourd were used to treat pain and sickness.

The pulp of the gourd
was spread on cuts and ulcers to prevent infection and help healing. Ground up
seeds were also used as a first aid treatment.

Dried gounds were used
as bowls, vessels and containers, and rattles for ceremonies and musical
instruments.

OTHER INTERESTING INFO....

During fall when the
melons are ripe and plentiful, the flat, watermelon-like seeds are often found
in coyote scat. The coyote melon is well-adapted to dry, sandy soils with an
immense, taproot that may extend several feet into the ground. The taproot often
sends out many lateral, sprouting branches, and this vine can become an invasive
weed in vegetable gardens.

Scientists are
experimenting with hybrid buffalo gourds as a food crop in the vast Middle East
deserts. The seeds are a vital source of protein-rich oil in the desert lands.

The vines can be
propagated readily and they resprout each year, thus eliminating the need for
buying more seed each year.

MORE INFO AT SEE www.DESERTUSA.COM GREAT
SITE FOR SW PLANTS!Full Sun Exposure
Habitat:
Dry sandy places below 4000',
Blooming period:
April to September

Seeds offered are from plants
shown in photos.

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